Gaylord College Alumni, Faculty Member Secure Wins at Heartland Emmy Awards

NORMAN, OKLA. – Alumni and an adjunct faculty member in the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma picked up honors at the 2023 Heartland Emmy Awards, which took place July 15 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts as well as at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.

A regional chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which recognizes excellence in television, the Heartland Emmys represent Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming.

Gaylord College alumna Shiloh Sellers (2019) won the Heartland Emmy in the “Live News Producer” category for her work on “Sharing Stories, Evoking Emotion” at News 9 (KWTV).

Adjunct faculty member Robin Marsh, also from News 9, secured her win in the “Sports Story: News Feature” category for her piece “Chasing A Championship,” a series that documented OU Softball’s 2022 run for its sixth national title. Marsh served as the reporter and producer for this series.

In the “Evening Newscast - Markets 46-99” category, Gaylord College alumni Reagan Ledbetter (2018) and McKenzie Gladney (2021) were both reporters as part of the award-winning team for “News On 6 at 9: Shooting at Tulsa Hospital” at KOTV for general news coverage of an active shooter incident in June 2022.

Gaylord College alumna Jennifer Loren (2001) earned multiple Heartland Emmy Awards for her work on "Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People." As both a producer and host, she was recognized in various categories, including "Arts/Entertainment," "Magazine," "Societal Concerns," "Environment/Science," and "Informational/Instructional - Long Form Content," for her contributions to different episodes of the series. The series explores the rich traditions and modern culture of the Cherokee Nation. Additionally, she was nominated in the "Documentary - Cultural" category for directing "ᏚᏙᎥᎪᏪᎸ Signature: The Cherokee Speakers Roll."

Many of these alumni developed their early journalistic skills at OU Nightly, the university’s student-run news station based in Gaylord College.

"These awards speak volumes about the talent and success of our graduates in the professional world – and about the kind of instructors they learn from at Gaylord. We are proud of these alumni and of all the Gaylord instructors who helped them prepare to have an impact in their careers," said Interim Dean David Craig.

Gaylord College students also recently earned top honors at the Heartland Emmy Awards’ student competition.

The full list of 2023 Heartland Emmy Award winners can be seen at https://emmyawards.tv/awards/2023-emmy-awards-nominees-winners

About the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication

The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma is committed to preparing the next generation of media professionals. The college offers five undergraduate majors in advertising, creative media production, journalism, professional writing and public relations, providing students with a diverse and engaging educational experience. In addition to its undergraduate offerings, Gaylord College features graduate and Ph.D. programs, as well as an online master's degree. These advanced programs are designed to nurture academic excellence, adapt to diverse learning needs and inspire innovative thinking among students. For more information, visit ou.edu/gaylord.

About the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

Founded in 1947, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the Emmy^® Award stand for the best in television and allied media. NATAS is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement, raising industry standards and improving the quality of what we watch. The Heartland Chapter was formed in 1986 to honor work produced and intended for an audience in this region.